Trona – Soda Ash

Soda ash is manufactured by the Solvay or ammonia-soda process. Two of nature’s most abundant raw materials, salt (NaCl) and limestone (CaCO3) are used to produce soda ash (sodium carbonate). Ammonia furnishes the hydrogen source for the formation of bicarbonate or trona, NaHCO3.Na2CO3.2H2O, which is calcined in a rotary kiln. Feedstock preparation is done on site involving brine and calcite. This rotary kiln roasting step is worth exploring.